THE Reform UK party has decided to defend the Colan and St Columb Minor Cornwall Council by-election following the resignation of its former councillor.

Reform candidate Heinz Glanville will be up against Independent John Fitter, Independent Nigel May, Liberal Democrat Geoff Brown, Conservative Mark Formosa, Green Party candidate Frances Williamson and the Labour Party’s Stuart Hinde.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Christine Parsonage in October due to “ongoing medical reasons.” Her short tenure as councillor was controversial, as she faced criticism from other councillors for living more than 40 miles away from her division and non attendance at Newquay Town Council meetings.

Residents and fellow councillors will not be able to criticise Mr Glanville for living too far away to represent his constituents if he wins the by-election as he lives in St Columb Minor. He is defending a majority of 93 votes over Independent former Colan and St Columb Minor councillor John Fitter.

The St Columb Minor and Colan Cornwall Council by-election will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, which will be the first serious test of political sentiment since May.